Congratulations to Brian Scmiatacz, of Troy Michigan, selected as winner of the 2024 Tip Up Town USA Badge Design Contest. What makes Brian's victory even more special is that he teamed up with his dad to craft the winning design that captured the essence of this beloved winter festival.

"Do You Believe in Magic?"

With the theme "Do You Believe in Magic?" as his guiding star, he conjured up a whimsical and enchanting world that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Tip Up Town USA.  At the heart of Brian's winning design, you'll find a captivating scene: a  fish, magically popping through the frozen surface with his magic fishing "wand". 

Brian's creative vision not only reflects the magic of the festival but also the resilience and spirit of the community that keeps Tip Up Town USA alive year after year. He has entered the contest many times and was selected as the winning design in 2004 and 2019 also.

We applaud Brian Schmiatacz for his outstanding talent and his ability to infuse the festival's magic into his design. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming Tip Up Town USA festivities, where you'll get to see Brian's winning badge design come to life!

 Every winter, the picturesque Houghton Lake in Michigan comes alive with the magical and enchanting Tip-Up Town USA festival. It's a time when families and friends gather to celebrate the joys of the season. Amid the snow, ice, and the community's warm spirit, there's a special day dedicated entirely to the youngest members of our community – Kids Day. This year, on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, Kids Day promises to be even more remarkable as the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce works diligently to ensure that every child in our county has the opportunity to create cherished memories at Tip-Up Town USA.

Inclusivity and Opportunity for All

One of the core principles guiding Tip-Up Town USA is the belief that every child should have the chance to experience the joy and wonder of the festival, regardless of their economic status. That's why, each year, the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce takes steps to make Kids Day accessible to all children in our community.

To accomplish this, hundreds of special badges are distributed to local schools, including Charlton Heston Academy, Our Lady of the Lakes, Houghton Lake, Skeels and Roscommon Community schools. These badges are exclusively for children in grades 6 and under. The best part? These badges grant kids FREE access to the festival's carnival, games, and activities on Kids Day, which falls on Sunday, January 21st, 2024.

Securing Your Child's Badge

If your child is in grade 6 or under at one of the aforementioned schools they will be given a badge in January. If for some reason your qualified child doesn't receive a badge, simply contact the office at your child's school to inquire about the availability of badges. Even if your child is home schooled in Roscommon County and is in grade 6 or under, they can still participate in Kids Day. To get their badge, all you need to do is visit the Houghton Lake Chamber office. 

The Magic of Kids Day

Kids Day at Tip-Up Town USA is an extraordinary experience for children and families alike. From exciting carnival rides to delicious treats, interactive games, and the joy of playing in the snow, there's something for every child to enjoy. The festive atmosphere and the spirit of togetherness make Kids Day a cherished tradition in our community. Tip-Up Town USA's Kids Day on Sunday, January 21st, 2024, is a celebration of the spirit of our community,  It's a day when the smiles, laughter, and pure joy of our youngest community members shine brightly, reminding us all of the magic that lies within this wonderful festival.

Let's come together as a community and make Kids Day 2024 at Tip-Up Town USA a day to remember for all the right reasons, a day of inclusivity and delight for every child.